5G Indoor Signal Booster Layout for Low Cable Loss Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency cellular networks face significant signal attenuation due to building materials, leading to poor indoor coverage and increased power consumption in mobile devices, especially in 5G networks using millimeter wave frequencies, which are further exacerbated by the need for costly and inconvenient installation of signal boosters.
Innovation Solution
A signal booster system that includes a directional base station antenna and a mobile station antenna integrated with booster circuitry, capable of amplifying both uplink and downlink signals in the 20 GHz and higher frequency range, with a multi-unit configuration to extend coverage through auxiliary units connected by short cables, reducing cable loss and installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal boosters are installed to improve indoor coverage, then signal strength is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signal booster system is divided into separate functional modules: an external antenna unit for receiving weak signals, an amplifier unit for signal enhancement, and an internal antenna unit for distribution. This modular segmentation allows flexible installation and reduces overall system complexity while improving indoor signal strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary amplifier unit that bridges the external antenna and internal antenna. This intermediary component actively enhances the weak incoming signals before distribution, effectively improving indoor coverage without requiring complex direct connection systems.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional signal boosters are used, then coverage is extended, but cable loss increases installation cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the amplification function from the cable transmission path and places it at the antenna units. By positioning amplifiers close to the antennas rather than relying on long cable runs, the system minimizes cable loss while extending coverage area effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point amplification approach to a distributed amplification architecture where multiple antenna units are positioned throughout the space. This spatial distribution reduces the distance signals must travel through cables, minimizing energy loss while expanding coverage.
3Productivity
If high-frequency signals are transmitted, then network capacity is improved, but signal attenuation by building materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary signal enhancement at the external antenna unit before the high-frequency signals encounter building materials. By amplifying signals in advance of their transmission through attenuating media, the system maintains network capacity while compensating for expected signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor signal strength and quality at various points in the system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of amplification levels to compensate for building material attenuation, maintaining optimal network capacity despite high-frequency signal challenges.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively enhances indoor signal strength and coverage for high-frequency cellular networks, improving communication quality and reducing power consumption by focusing signal energy and minimizing cable loss, while also simplifying installation and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
booster circuitry configured to amplify an uplink signal of the frequency band to generate the amplified uplink signal, and to amplify the downlink signal to generate an amplified downlink signal of the frequency band
Implementation Method 2
base station antenna configured to receive a downlink signal of a frequency band and to transmit an amplified uplink signal of the frequency band, wherein the base station antenna is directional
Implementation Method 3
mobile station antenna configured to receive the uplink signal and to transmit the amplified downlink signal
Data Source
AI summary
Radio frequency signal boosters for high frequency cellular communications are provided herein. In certain embodiments, a signal booster system for providing high frequency wireless signal reception of a 5G network inside a building is provided. The signal booster system includes a primary unit configured to communicate with cellular infrastructure (e.g., a base station) of the 5G network through a window of a first room of the building, and an auxiliary unit for extending coverage from the first room to a second room. The auxiliary unit includes a housing located in the first room and having a base station antenna and booster circuitry integrated therewith. The auxiliary unit further includes a mobile station antenna in the second room and connected to the housing by a short cable.